Part of the larger Ophiuchus Molecular Cloud Complex

The reflection nebula IC 4605 (LBN 1110) belongs together with IC 4603, IC 4604, the Antares nebula, Sharpless 2-9 and many dark clouds to a large area of nebula, the Ophiuchus Molecular Cloud. Its center is about one degree south of the star ρ Ophiuchi, is surrounded by dense dust and is only visible in infrared images. The IC numbers were discovered in 1882 by the American astronomer Edward Barnard, who also recorded the dark clouds B 42, B 44 and B 45.